Mpeg2 file with ac3

[allanmb]

Hi there,
I have an avi file with ac3 audio. Until now, I have been extracting the audio, converting to wav and then using TMpegEnc to convert to an mpeg2 file with mp2 audio.
I was wondering if I could multiplex mpeg2 video with ac3 audio. Unfortunately, TMpegEnc wont touch ac3, so I found a version of Virtual Dub with mpeg2 support but unfortunately it will not save mpeg2.
Is there any software out there that will allow me to multiplex mpeg2 video with ac3 audio? (mp3 would be nice too)
Thanks
Allan

[ABAB]

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=131561&highlight=multiplex+mpeg2+video+ac3

If this is what you mean it saves me trying to explain what I think you think you want....I think!

[Cornucopia]

What do you want to do with this thing? Go to DVD?SVCD?MPEG as Datadisc?

If UR trying to author to DVD. Some apps WANT unmuxed files, in which case you don't have to do anything. Other apps do want muxed files. Here you should mux them with an app that supports MPEG2 and AC3. Believe it or not TMPGEnc does support muxing AC3. Go to File|MPEGTools|Multiplex (not Simple Multiplex). I know this works--I have done it.
This only works with MPEG2 program streams, as MPEG1 doesn't support anything except MPEG1-type audio (mp1, mp2, mp3).

If you're going to SVCD, do what others have said and use Hypercube-making a 5.1Mpegaudio file, otherwise you'll either lose the 5.1, or you'll be stuck with a VERY non-standard and likely unplayable disc. Even using Hypercube, 5.1 on SVCD is NOT universally supported.

If you're going to VCD, hahahahahahaha. (Sorry for that, but you're SOL).

HTH,
Scott

[allanmb]

I was trying to make an SVCD, in the hope that it may play on my DVD player.
I will have a go at what you have mentioned, and get back to you if I encounter any problems.
Many Thanks
Allan

[allanmb]

I tried to use TMpegEnc but it doesnt add the ac3 file even when using multiplex (not simple multiplex). What version do you have? What file extension did the ac3 file have?
Also, what is hypercube?
Thanks
Allan

[Cornucopia]

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner...

At home, I use v2.5.10 free (within 30day) and the old v0.12a beta free. At work, I use v2.5.6Plus (?). Haven't tried the old one, but the other 2 have no problems.

AC3 files that I use have extension of .ac3 (not wav). In the [Multiplex] tool, 1st change "Type" to "MPEG2-Program (VBR)" or to "MPEG-2 Super VideoCD (VBR)". For SVCD, use the latter, for DVD or other things, use the former.
Click the [Add] button.
Before looking for your files, change the "type" from "MPEG Stream" to "Dolby Digital (AC3) Stream". Then go. Should be smooth sailing from there. Don't know if it makes a difference, but it makes sense to me to add the video stream in 1st.

Here's a link for Hypercube that explains its function:
http://hypercubemx.free.fr/html/hypercube_transcoder.html

HTH,
Scott

[allanmb]

I think my problem is that I only have a stereo ac3 track and not a 5.1 one.
Am I right in thinking that with Hypercube, I can create an Mpeg multichannel track that can be lumped onto my SVCD? and if my amp supports it (I know the DVD player does) then I will have some form of sound (hopefully better than mp2!)?
Thanks
Allan

[Cornucopia]

Yes

[allanmb]

Is there a way to tell if the outpout from hypercube is indeed multichannel. It appears to be just stereo.

I played it on my DVD player and it works, but the amp auto-selects to pro-logic.

When right clicking on the hypercube output file in windows, it says it is stereo.

[Cornucopia]

This can be difficult to tell, because the Multichannel extension to MPEG is an MPEG 2-backwards compatible file (actually MPEG 2.5). In essence, it will decode with MPEG2MC decoders as Multichannel, and decode with MPEG1 decoders as Stereo.

The MPEG info rightclick parser, and the player directshow filter in WMP, etc. are in all probability MPEG1 audio decoders/parsers. So as far as they can tell, it IS stereo. Doesn't mean it is though. To truly test it you have to have a valid MPEG2/MC decoder. A good sample test file to use would be one of those provided in the Compliance Testing section of the Philips website.

Remember, the "stereo" portion-L+R channels-of the MPEG/MC file could be pre-encoded as Dolby Surround. This doesn't make a lot of sense, but it could be done. MPEG/MC doesn't have as elegant a downmix solution as AC3.

One possible occurance with the DVD Player/Decoder Amp could be that the Player's Audio setup has a choice of RAW or PCM as output from MPEG (as well as DTS/DD, etc. Also there may be other options here). Maybe it's switched to the wrong one?

HTH,
Scott